Parents sing praises of Glenbard speaker series in video

A speaker series on parenting at Glenbard High School District 87 has had quite a year.

First, a $100,000 grant last summer from the Cebrin Goodman Center put the Glenbard Parent Series on steady ground for at least another three years. National media has come calling, with stories about the series appearing on NBC's "Today" and Fox News Channel's "Fox and Friends."

And in March, two parents thought so highly of it that they put together a promotional video to reach parents who had yet to attend the series, which brings nationally known parenting experts in for free programs.

For Don Deegan and Terry O'Brien, the two-minute video was merely a way to show appreciation for the help the series has given them as parents.

"There are probably parents who want to be proactive, but might skip over this in an e-mail announcement," said Deegan, who has a sophomore son at Glenbard West High School. "But if they heard other parents talking about it, it's a totally different perspective."

The series concludes its 2009-10 schedule at 7 p.m. today at Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., Lombard, with a presentation by Heather Hale on "The Secret Lives of Teens - The Teen Party Scene." Hale is an expert on parent-teen communication related to drugs and alcohol.

Although attendance has been strong throughout this year's programs, Deegan said he wants to reach as many parents as he can because the programs are that beneficial.

"It's about setting the context for the challenges you might face (with children and teens)," he said. "You have a better understanding of the importance of listening to your teen and not just wanting it your way."

While this is the first year the program has been funded by the grant, this is not its first year. The series has been going on for nearly 15 years. Deegan discovered it in 2008 and in March, he and his son shot footage for the promotional video. They then recruited O'Brien for his video-editing skills and put the package together.

"It's about listening and understanding," Deegan said. "It's the old cliché of walking in others' shoes. It puts you in a better place."

Student and Community Projects Coordinator Gilda Ross said the work of the two parents was invaluable.

Hale's program is especially timely as students prepare for their three-month summer break, Ross said.

"May brings special challenges to the parents of teens," she said. "As we welcome the warm weather, we know that the freedom of summer can be very difficult. This presentation is a chance for parents to become educated about the issues out there, issues students face every day."

If you goWhat: "The Secret Lives of Teens - The Teen Party Scene," part of the Glenbard Parent SeriesWhen: 7 p.m. todayWhere: Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., LombardCost: FreeInfo: glenbard87.org